Navigation system with destination selection mechanism and method of operation thereof

ABSTRACT

A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining candidate locations for the location query; determining a candidate associated location specific to each of the candidate locations; determining a waypoint destination from an instance of the candidate locations based on a selected instance of the candidate associated location specific to the instance of the candidate locations; and calculating a travel route including the waypoint destination and the selected instance of the candidate associated location for displaying on a device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/903,018 filed Nov. 12, 2013, and the subjectmatter thereof is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a navigationsystem, and more particularly to a system for destination selection.

BACKGROUND

Modern portable consumer and industrial electronics, especially clientdevices such as navigation systems, cellular phones, portable digitalassistants, and combination devices, are providing increasing levels offunctionality to support modern life including location-basedinformation services. Research and development in the existingtechnologies can take a myriad of different directions.

As users become more empowered with the growth of mobile location basedservice devices, new and old paradigms begin to take advantage of thisnew device space. There are many technological solutions to takeadvantage of this new device location opportunity. One existing approachis to use location information to provide navigation services such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) for a car or on a mobile device such asa cell phone, portable navigation device (PND) or a personal digitalassistant (PDA).

Location based services allow users to create, transfer, store, and/orconsume information in order for users to create, transfer, store, andconsume in the “real world.” One such use of location based services isto efficiently transfer or route users to the desired destination orservice.

Navigation systems and location based services enabled systems have beenincorporated in automobiles, notebooks, handheld devices, and otherportable products. Today, these systems aid users by incorporatingavailable, real-time relevant information, such as maps, directions,local businesses, or other points of interest (POI). The real-timeinformation provides invaluable relevant information.

However, a navigation system without destination selection mechanism hasbecome a paramount concern for the consumer. The inability decreases thebenefit of using the tool.

Thus, a need still remains for a navigation system with destinationselection mechanism. In view of the increasing mobility of the workforceand social interaction, it is increasingly critical that answers befound to these problems. In view of the ever-increasing commercialcompetitive pressures, along with growing consumer expectations and thediminishing opportunities for meaningful product differentiation in themarketplace, it is critical that answers be found for these problems.Additionally, the need to reduce costs, improve efficiencies andperformance, and meet competitive pressures adds an even greater urgencyto the critical necessity for finding answers to these problems.

Solutions to these problems have been long sought but prior developmentshave not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to theseproblems have long eluded those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, including:a user interface configured to receive a location query; a control unit,coupled to the user interface, configured to: determine candidatelocations for the location query; determine a candidate associatedlocation specific to each of the candidate locations; determine awaypoint destination from an instance of the candidate locations basedon a selected instance of the candidate associated location specific tothe instance of the candidate locations; and calculate a travel routeincluding the waypoint destination and the selected instance of thecandidate associated location for displaying on a device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method including:determining candidate locations for the location query; determining acandidate associated location specific to each of the candidatelocations; determining a waypoint destination from an instance of thecandidate locations based on a selected instance of the candidateassociated location specific to the instance of the candidate locations;and calculating a travel route including the waypoint destination andthe selected instance of the candidate associated location fordisplaying on a device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a non-transitorycomputer readable medium including instructions for operating anavigation system including: determining candidate locations for thelocation query; determining a candidate associated location specific toeach of the candidate locations; determining a waypoint destination froman instance of the candidate locations based on a selected instance ofthe candidate associated location specific to the instance of thecandidate locations; and calculating a travel route including thewaypoint destination and the selected instance of the candidateassociated location for displaying on a device.

Certain embodiments of the invention have other steps or elements inaddition to or in place of those mentioned above. The steps or elementswill become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of thefollowing detailed description when taken with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a navigation system with destination selection mechanism in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of a display interface of the first device of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the navigation system.

FIG. 4 is a control flow of the navigation system.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operation of a navigation systemin an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enablethose skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments would be evident based on the presentdisclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given toprovide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will beapparent that the invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In order to avoid obscuring an embodiment of the presentinvention, some well-known circuits, system configurations, and processsteps are not disclosed in detail.

The drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic,and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for theclarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawingfigures. Similarly, although the views in the drawings for ease ofdescription generally show similar orientations, this depiction in thefigures is arbitrary for the most part. Generally, the invention can beoperated in any orientation. The embodiments have been numbered firstembodiment, second embodiment, etc. as a matter of descriptiveconvenience and are not intended to have any other significance orprovide limitations for an embodiment of the present invention.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the format with which imageinformation is expressed is not critical to some embodiments of theinvention. For example, in some embodiments, image information ispresented in the format of (X, Y); where X and Y are two coordinatesthat define the location of a pixel in an image.

The term “module” referred to herein can include software, hardware, ora combination thereof in an embodiment of the present invention inaccordance with the context in which the term is used. For example, thesoftware can be machine code, firmware, embedded code, and applicationsoftware. Also for example, the hardware can be circuitry, processor,computer, integrated circuit, integrated circuit cores, a pressuresensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS),passive devices, or a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 1, therein is shown a navigation system 100 withdestination selection mechanism in an embodiment of the presentinvention. The navigation system 100 includes a first device 102, suchas a client or a server, connected to a second device 106, such as aclient or server. The first device 102 can communicate with the seconddevice 106 with a communication path 104, such as a wireless or wirednetwork.

For example, the first device 102 can be of any of a variety of displaydevices, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, anotebook computer, a liquid crystal display (LCD) system, a lightemitting diode (LED) system, or other multi-functional display orentertainment device. The first device 102 can couple, either directlyor indirectly, to the communication path 104 to communicate with thesecond device 106 or can be a stand-alone device.

The second device 106 can be any of a variety of centralized ordecentralized computing devices, or video transmission devices. Forexample, the second device 106 can be a multimedia computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a video game console, grid-computingresources, a virtualized computer resource, cloud computing resource,routers, switches, peer-to-peer distributed computing devices, or acombination thereof. In another example, the second device 106 can be asignal receiver for receiving broadcast or live stream signals, such asa television receiver, a cable box, a satellite dish receiver, or a webenabled device.

The second device 106 can be centralized in a single room, distributedacross different rooms, distributed across different geographicallocations, embedded within a telecommunications network. The seconddevice 106 can couple with the communication path 104 to communicatewith the first device 102.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system 100 is described withthe second device 106 as a computing device, although it is understoodthat the second device 106 can be different types of devices. Also forillustrative purposes, the navigation system 100 is shown with thesecond device 106 and the first device 102 as end points of thecommunication path 104, although it is understood that the navigationsystem 100 can have a different partition between the first device 102,the second device 106, and the communication path 104. For example, thefirst device 102, the second device 106, or a combination thereof canalso function as part of the communication path 104.

The communication path 104 can span and represent a variety of networksand network topologies. For example, the communication path 104 caninclude wireless communication, wired communication, optical,ultrasonic, or the combination thereof. Satellite communication,cellular communication, Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association standard(IrDA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), and worldwide interoperability formicrowave access (WiMAX) are examples of wireless communication that canbe included in the communication path 104. Ethernet, digital subscriberline (DSL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and plain old telephone service(POTS) are examples of wired communication that can be included in thecommunication path 104. Further, the communication path 104 can traversea number of network topologies and distances. For example, thecommunication path 104 can include direct connection, personal areanetwork (PAN), local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network(MAN), wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is shown an example of a displayinterface 208 for the first device 102 of FIG. 1. The display interface208 depicts one or more candidate locations 210 for a location query 212made by a location requestor. The location query 212 is defined as arequest to search for a specific or general location. For example, thelocation query 212 can be a query for a general location, such as arequest to locate a grocery store or a department store. As anotherexample, the location query 212 can be a query for a specific location,such as a “Safeway” or “Macy's”.

The candidate locations 210 are defined as one or more locationsmatching the description of a requested location. For example, thecandidate locations 210 can include one or more instances of locationsspecified by the location query 212. As a specific example, when thelocation query 212 is for “Safeway in the city of San Francisco”, thecandidate locations 210 can include one or more “Safeway” locations, asdepicted in FIG. 2. The navigation system 100 can include and displaylocation information 214 associated with the candidate locations 210,such as the address or hours of operation, on the display interface.

For illustrative purposes, for each instance of the candidate locations210 displayed on the display interface 102, the location query 212 of“Safeway” can appear as the first line of text followed by the locationinformation 214 as the second line of text appearing below the text orindicator representing the instance of the candidate locations 210,although it is understood that the location query 212 and the locationinformation 214 can be arranged differently. For example, the locationquery 212 and the location information 214 can be displayed side by sideon the same line of text.

The navigation system 100 can include neighboring prominent locations216 associated with one of the candidate locations 210. The neighboringprominent locations 216 are defined as a locations or an area that canbe easily recognized or identified. The neighboring prominent locations216 can be locations that are easily recognizable by the locationrequestor. For example, the neighboring prominent locations 216 can be alandmark, such as AT&T Park, a local attraction, such as the CaliforniaAcademy of Sciences or Golden Gate National Park Conservancy in SanFrancisco, a shopping or commerce center, or neighborhood, such as JapanTown.

As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates the navigation system 100 displayingthe candidate locations 210 for the location query 212 of “Safeway”stores near San Francisco, Calif. The display interface 208 can show ordisplay the location information 214, including brand, street addressand city, for each of the candidate locations 210. In addition, whereapplicable, the navigation system 100 can include one or more of theneighboring prominent locations 216 associated with a particularinstance of the candidate locations 210 of the “Safeway” stores. Asdepicted in FIG. 2 the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth instances of thecandidate locations 210 includes the neighboring prominent locations 216of Japan Town, AT&T Park, Embarcadero Center, and Golden Gate NationalPark Conservancy, respectively.

The navigation system 100 can include one or more candidate associatedlocations 218 associated with instances of the candidate locations 210.The candidate associated locations 218 are defined as locations near therequested location that can be of interest to the requestor of thelocation. The candidate associated locations 218 are specific to eachone of the candidate locations 210. More specifically, each of thecandidate associated locations 218 are locations that are near aspecific instance of the candidate locations 210.

The candidate associated locations 218 can be locations within aspecified or predetermined distance from the candidate locations 210.For example, the predetermined or specified distance can be determinedby travel time, such as a five or ten minute walking or drivingdistance, convenience of travel, such as locations within the sameshopping complex or with shared parking lots or structures.

The candidate associated locations 218 can be associated with candidatelocations 210 in a number of different ways. For example, the candidateassociated locations 218 can be brand locations, stores, orestablishments that are preferred by the location requestor, a locationthat is near an appointment for the location requestor, popular orwell-known brands, or stores near, one of the candidate locations 210,the neighboring prominent location, or a combination thereof. As aspecific example, the candidate associated locations can be the dentaloffice, clinic, daycare center, school, office for the locationrequestor or an individual related to the location requestor, such aschild, friend, family member, or relative. In another specific example,the candidate associated locations 218 can be popular or well-knownbrands, stores, or restaurants, such as “McDonalds”, “Starbucks”,“Walgreens” “GAP”, “Wells Fargo”, “Shell Gasoline”, as illustrated inFIG. 2.

The navigation system 100 can be presented or displayed with a brandicon 220 of the candidate associated locations 218. The brand icon 220is defined as the trademark image or text, associated with orrepresenting the candidate associated locations 218. For example, thebrand icon 220 can be the registered trademark or logo, such as thegolden arches icon for “McDonalds.” The navigation system 100 canpresent the various numbers of the brand icon 220 depending on thefactors, such as display preferences of the location requestor or basedon the available number of the candidate associated locations 218 nearthe candidate locations 210.

For illustrative purposes, when the neighboring prominent locations 216are identified for one of the candidate locations 210, the neighboringprominent locations 216 can be displayed with the location information214 and the brand icon 220 representing the candidate associatedlocations 218, as shown in second, fourth, fifth, sixth, and eightinstances of the candidate locations 210, although it is understood thatthe neighboring prominent locations 216 and the brand icon 220 can bearranged differently. For example, the brand icon 220 for the candidateassociated locations 218 can be displayed in the line before anyapplicable instances of the neighboring prominent locations 216.

The location requestor can select one of the candidate locations 210 asa preferred destination based on the neighboring prominent locations216, the candidate associated locations 218, or a combination thereof.For example, the location requestor can select the preferred destinationas one of the candidate locations 210 based on the instance of theneighboring prominent locations 216 that is specific to selectedinstance of the candidate locations 210 when the location requestorprefers to travel based on ease of identification or recognition. Inanother example, the location requestor can select the preferreddestination based on the instance of the candidate associated locations218 specific to the selected instance of the candidate locations 210when the location requestor prefers to include the specific instance ofthe candidate associated locations 218 in addition to the preferreddestination.

For illustrative purposes, the candidate locations 210, locationinformation 214, the candidate associated locations 218, and theneighboring prominent locations 216 are presented in a list format,although it is understood that the candidate locations 210, thecandidate associated locations 218, and the neighboring prominentlocations 216 can be presented differently. For example, the candidatelocations 210 can be presented on a map as markers or callout boxesdepicting the position or coordinates of the candidate locations 210. Tocontinue the example, the markers or callout boxes for the instances ofthe candidate locations 210 can include the location information 214,the candidate associated locations 218, and the neighboring prominentlocations 216 specific to the candidate locations 210.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram ofthe navigation system 100. The navigation system 100 can include thefirst device 102, the communication path 104, and the second device 106.The first device 102 can send information in a first device transmission308 over the communication path 104 to the second device 106. The seconddevice 106 can send information in a second device transmission 310 overthe communication path 104 to the first device 102.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system 100 is shown with thefirst device 102 as a client device, although it is understood that thenavigation system 100 can have the first device 102 as a different typeof device. For example, the first device 102 can be a server having adisplay interface.

Also for illustrative purposes, the navigation system 100 is shown withthe second device 106 as a server, although it is understood that thenavigation system 100 can have the second device 106 as a different typeof device. For example, the second device 106 can be a client device.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention,the first device 102 will be described as a client device and the seconddevice 106 will be described as a server device. The embodiment of thepresent invention is not limited to this selection for the type ofdevices. The selection is an example of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The first device 102 can include a first control unit 312, a firststorage unit 314, a first communication unit 316, and a first userinterface 318. The first control unit 312 can include a first controlinterface 322. The first control unit 312 can execute a first software326 to provide the intelligence of the navigation system 100.

The first control unit 312 can be implemented in a number of differentmanners. For example, the first control unit 312 can be a processor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) an embedded processor, amicroprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite statemachine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combinationthereof. The first control interface 322 can be used for communicationbetween the first control unit 312 and other functional units in thefirst device 102. The first control interface 322 can also be used forcommunication that is external to the first device 102.

The first control interface 322 can receive information from the otherfunctional units or from external sources, or can transmit informationto the other functional units or to external destinations. The externalsources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinationsexternal to the first device 102.

The first control interface 322 can be implemented in different ways andcan include different implementations depending on which functionalunits or external units are being interfaced with the first controlinterface 322. For example, the first control interface 322 can beimplemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, amicroelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides,wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The first storage unit 314 can store the first software 326. The firststorage unit 314 can also store the relevant information, such as datarepresenting incoming images, data representing previously presentedimage, sound files, or a combination thereof.

The first storage unit 314 can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatilememory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combinationthereof. For example, the first storage unit 314 can be a nonvolatilestorage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory,disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory(SRAM).

The first storage unit 314 can include a first storage interface 324.The first storage interface 324 can be used for communication betweenand other functional units in the first device 102. The first storageinterface 324 can also be used for communication that is external to thefirst device 102.

The first storage interface 324 can receive information from the otherfunctional units or from external sources, or can transmit informationto the other functional units or to external destinations. The externalsources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinationsexternal to the first device 102.

The first storage interface 324 can include different implementationsdepending on which functional units or external units are beinginterfaced with the first storage unit 314. The first storage interface324 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to theimplementation of the first control interface 322.

The first communication unit 316 can enable external communication toand from the first device 102. For example, the first communication unit316 can permit the first device 102 to communicate with the seconddevice 106 of FIG. 1, an attachment, such as a peripheral device or acomputer desktop, and the communication path 104.

The first communication unit 316 can also function as a communicationhub allowing the first device 102 to function as part of thecommunication path 104 and not limited to be an end point or terminalunit to the communication path 104. The first communication unit 316 caninclude active and passive components, such as microelectronics or anantenna, for interaction with the communication path 104.

The first communication unit 316 can include a first communicationinterface 328. The first communication interface 328 can be used forcommunication between the first communication unit 316 and otherfunctional units in the first device 102. The first communicationinterface 328 can receive information from the other functional units orcan transmit information to the other functional units.

The first communication interface 328 can include differentimplementations depending on which functional units are being interfacedwith the first communication unit 316. The first communication interface328 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to theimplementation of the first control interface 322.

The first user interface 318 allows a user (not shown) to interface andinteract with the first device 102. The first user interface 318 caninclude an input device and an output device. Examples of the inputdevice of the first user interface 318 can include a keypad, a touchpad,soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, an infrared sensor for receivingremote signals, or any combination thereof to provide data andcommunication inputs.

The first user interface 318 can include a first display interface 330.The first display interface 330 can include a display, a projector, avideo screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The first control unit 312 can operate the first user interface 318 todisplay information generated by the navigation system 100. The firstcontrol unit 312 can also execute the first software 326 for the otherfunctions of the navigation system 100. The first control unit 312 canfurther execute the first software 326 for interaction with thecommunication path 104 via the first communication unit 316.

The second device 106 can be optimized for implementing an embodiment ofthe present invention in a multiple device embodiment with the firstdevice 102. The second device 106 can provide the additional or higherperformance processing power compared to the first device 102. Thesecond device 106 can include a second control unit 334, a secondcommunication unit 336, and a second user interface 338.

The second user interface 338 allows a user (not shown) to interface andinteract with the second device 106. The second user interface 338 caninclude an input device and an output device. Examples of the inputdevice of the second user interface 338 can include a keypad, atouchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combinationthereof to provide data and communication inputs. Examples of the outputdevice of the second user interface 338 can include a second displayinterface 340. The second display interface 340 can include a display, aprojector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The second control unit 334 can execute a second software 342 to providethe intelligence of the second device 106 of the navigation system 100.The second software 342 can operate in conjunction with the firstsoftware 326. The second control unit 334 can provide additionalperformance compared to the first control unit 312.

The second control unit 334 can operate the second user interface 338 todisplay information. The second control unit 334 can also execute thesecond software 342 for the other functions of the navigation system100, including operating the second communication unit 336 tocommunicate with the first device 102 over the communication path 104.

The second control unit 334 can be implemented in a number of differentmanners. For example, the second control unit 334 can be a processor, anembedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardwarefinite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or acombination thereof.

The second control unit 334 can include a second controller interface344. The second controller interface 344 can be used for communicationbetween the second control unit 334 and other functional units in thesecond device 106. The second controller interface 344 can also be usedfor communication that is external to the second device 106.

The second controller interface 344 can receive information from theother functional units or from external sources, or can transmitinformation to the other functional units or to external destinations.The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources anddestinations external to the second device 106.

The second controller interface 344 can be implemented in different waysand can include different implementations depending on which functionalunits or external units are being interfaced with the second controllerinterface 344. For example, the second controller interface 344 can beimplemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, amicroelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides,wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

A second storage unit 346 can store the second software 342. The secondstorage unit 346 can also store the such as data representing incomingimages, data representing previously presented image, sound files, or acombination thereof. The second storage unit 346 can be sized to providethe additional storage capacity to supplement the first storage unit314.

For illustrative purposes, the second storage unit 346 is shown as asingle element, although it is understood that the second storage unit346 can be a distribution of storage elements. Also for illustrativepurposes, the navigation system 100 is shown with the second storageunit 346 as a single hierarchy storage system, although it is understoodthat the navigation system 100 can have the second storage unit 346 in adifferent configuration. For example, the second storage unit 346 can beformed with different storage technologies forming a memory hierarchalsystem including different levels of caching, main memory, rotatingmedia, or off-line storage.

The second storage unit 346 can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatilememory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combinationthereof. For example, the second storage unit 346 can be a nonvolatilestorage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory,disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory(SRAM).

The second storage unit 346 can include a second storage interface 348.The second storage interface 348 can be used for communication betweenother functional units in the second device 106. The second storageinterface 348 can also be used for communication that is external to thesecond device 106.

The second storage interface 348 can receive information from the otherfunctional units or from external sources, or can transmit informationto the other functional units or to external destinations. The externalsources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinationsexternal to the second device 106.

The second storage interface 348 can include different implementationsdepending on which functional units or external units are beinginterfaced with the second storage unit 346. The second storageinterface 348 can be implemented with technologies and techniquessimilar to the implementation of the second controller interface 344.

The second communication unit 336 can enable external communication toand from the second device 106. For example, the second communicationunit 336 can permit the second device 106 to communicate with the firstdevice 102 over the communication path 104.

The second communication unit 336 can also function as a communicationhub allowing the second device 106 to function as part of thecommunication path 104 and not limited to be an end point or terminalunit to the communication path 104. The second communication unit 336can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics oran antenna, for interaction with the communication path 104.

The second communication unit 336 can include a second communicationinterface 350. The second communication interface 350 can be used forcommunication between the second communication unit 336 and otherfunctional units in the second device 106. The second communicationinterface 350 can receive information from the other functional units orcan transmit information to the other functional units.

The second communication interface 350 can include differentimplementations depending on which functional units are being interfacedwith the second communication unit 336. The second communicationinterface 350 can be implemented with technologies and techniquessimilar to the implementation of the second controller interface 344.

The first communication unit 316 can couple with the communication path104 to send information to the second device 106 in the first devicetransmission 308. The second device 106 can receive information in thesecond communication unit 336 from the first device transmission 308 ofthe communication path 104.

The second communication unit 336 can couple with the communication path104 to send information to the first device 102 in the second devicetransmission 310. The first device 102 can receive information in thefirst communication unit 316 from the second device transmission 310 ofthe communication path 104. The navigation system 100 can be executed bythe first control unit 312, the second control unit 334, or acombination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the second device 106 isshown with the partition having the second user interface 338, thesecond storage unit 346, the second control unit 334, and the secondcommunication unit 336, although it is understood that the second device106 can have a different partition. For example, the second software 342can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function canbe in the second control unit 334 and the second communication unit 336.Also, the second device 106 can include other functional units not shownin FIG. 3 for clarity.

The functional units in the first device 102 can work individually andindependently of the other functional units. The first device 102 canwork individually and independently from the second device 106 and thecommunication path 104.

The functional units in the second device 106 can work individually andindependently of the other functional units. The second device 106 canwork individually and independently from the first device 102 and thecommunication path 104.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system 100 is described byoperation of the first device 102 and the second device 106. It isunderstood that the first device 102 and the second device 106 canoperate any of the modules and functions of the navigation system 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein is shown a control flow of thenavigation system 100. The navigation system 100 can include a candidatelocation module 450, a prominent location module 452, an associatedlocation module 454, a location selection module 456, and a tripgeneration module 458. The candidate location module 450 can be coupledto the prominent location module 452. The prominent location module 452can be coupled to the associated location module 454. The locationselection module 456 can be coupled to the trip generation module 458.

The candidate location module 450 is for generating a list of locationsmatching a requested location. The candidate location module 450 canidentify and generate a list of the candidate locations 210 based on thelocation query 212 of the location requestor. For example, the candidatelocation module 450 can search a location search region 460 for thecandidate locations 210. The location search region 460 can be ageographic area determined by a predefined distance or can be explicitlydefined by the location requestor. For example, the candidate locationmodule 450 can generate the location search region 460 dynamically basedon the location query 212, such as within the city limits for a locationquery 212 of “the city of San Francisco” or within a few miles of thelocation requestor for the location query 212 of “near me.”

The candidate location module 450 can determine the location informationassociated with candidate locations 210 in a number of different ways.For example, the candidate location module 450 can access a locationdatabase 462, such as an online server or database, that can include thedetails of the location information 214 associated with each of thecandidate locations 210, such as street address, hours of operation, andother details specific to the candidate locations 210.

The prominent location module 452 is for identifying prominent orrecognizable locations near the candidate locations 210. The prominentlocation module 452 can identify the neighboring prominent locations 216for association with an instance of the candidate locations 210. Theprominent location module 452 can identify the neighboring prominentlocations 216 in a number of different ways. For example, the prominentlocation module 452 can identify the neighboring prominent locations 216based on a prominent location distance 464, which is a distance at whichthe location requestor can identify the candidate locations 210 from theneighboring prominent locations 216. For example, the prominent locationdistance 464 can be based on the distance which the location requestorcan see the candidate locations 210 from the neighboring prominentlocations 216. In another example, the prominent location distance 464can be based on a specific walking time from the candidate locations 210to the neighboring prominent locations 216, such as a five minute walk.

In another instance, the neighboring prominent locations 216 can beselected from a prominent location list 466, which is defined as anestablished list of points of interest. The prominent location list 466can be a predefined list of known, easily identifiable, or wellrecognized locations. As an example, the prominent location module 452can select the neighboring prominent locations 216 from the prominentlocation list 466 that is closest to one of the candidate locations 210.In another example, the prominent location module 452 can select theneighboring prominent locations 216 from the prominent location list 466that is within the prominent location distance 464.

In another instance, the neighboring prominent locations 216 can beselected based on a prominence rating 468. The prominence rating 468 isa composite score based on factors, such as popularity andclassification or category of the neighboring prominent locations 216.The popularity of the neighboring prominent locations 216 can be basedon user-search result actions, such as driving to, calling, or selectionof the location. The classification or category can include attractions,such as amusement parks or museums, landmarks, such as schools orlibraries, or commerce areas, such as shopping centers or downtownareas. As an example, the popularity can increase the prominence rating468 for a location that receives a high volume of visitors, phone calls,or click-through navigation, which occur when a user selects thelocation on a device then travels to the location. In another example,the prominence rating 468 can be higher for more famous or more easilyrecognized locations, such as the Golden Gate Bridge.

The prominent location module 452 can generate an area of interest 470.The area of interest is defined as an area or region having multiplerelated points of interest. For example, after determining the prominentlocation list 466 of one or more of the neighboring prominent locations216 near the candidate locations 210, the prominent location module 452can recursively process the prominent location list 466 to determineprominent location relations 472 between the instances of theneighboring prominent locations 216 in the prominent location list 466to generate the area of interest 470. As a specific example, since theneighboring prominent locations 216 are prominent, the region around theneighboring prominent locations 216 can also be prominent, which can bethe area of interest 470.

The prominent location relations 472 can be based on the distancesbetween the different instances of the neighboring prominent locations216, such as instances of the neighboring prominent locations 216 beingwithin a predetermined distance. For example, since the neighboringprominent locations 216 of AT&T Park and South Beach Park in SanFrancisco are within 0.5 miles from one another, the prominent locationmodule 452 can include two instances of the neighboring prominentlocations 216 as an area of interest 470.

The associated location module 454 is for identifying locations near arequested location that can be of interest to the user. The associatedlocation module 454 can determine the candidate associated locations 218specific to each instance of the candidate locations 210 for display onthe navigation system 100. For example, the associated location module454 can select the candidate associated locations 218 based on proximityor distance from a particular one of the candidate locations 210. As aspecific example, the associated location module 454 can select one ormore locations within a predetermine distance from one of the candidatelocations 210 including travel time, such as a five or ten minutewalking or driving distance from the candidate locations 210, orconvenience of travel, such as locations within the same shoppingcomplex or with shared parking lots or structures of the candidatelocations 210.

In another specific example, the associated location module 454 cangenerate a neighboring relationship 474 between the candidate associatedlocations 218 and the neighboring prominent locations 216, the candidatelocations 210, or a combination thereof by calculating the distance froman instance of the candidate associated locations 218 and an instance ofthe neighboring prominent locations 216 specific to an instance of thecandidate locations 210. The associated location module 454 can indexthe neighboring relationship 474 to the neighboring prominent locations216, the candidate locations 210, or a combination thereof for using insearch & discovery applications.

In another example, the associated location module 454 can execute arecurring process to generate the neighboring relationship 474 betweenthe neighboring prominent locations 216, the candidate locations 210, ora combination thereof, and the candidate associated locations 218, whichcan be done on an ongoing basis. As a specific example, the associatedlocation module 454 can collect the potential locations for thecandidate associated locations 218, such as popular or well-known chainstores, from data mining and previous history or behavior of thelocation requestor.

In a further example, the associated location module 454 can determineor promote the candidate associated locations 218 based on a popularityweighing scheme 476 by selecting potential locations as the candidateassociated locations 218 having a higher value according the popularityweighing scheme 476. As an example, the popularity weighing scheme 494can include static metrics for the candidate associated locations 218,such as the number of stores and the location distribution of stores.

In another example, the popularity weighing scheme 476 can also begenerated by a data-driven approach based on experiences or behavior ofthe location requestor. As a specific example, the data-driven approachcan be based on the drive-to action, defined as the frequency a locationis selected and subsequently traveled to, which can provide the highestdegree of confidence for the determining the popularity weighing scheme476. In another specific example, the popularity weighing scheme 476 canbe based on the click action, which is the frequency the location isselected or clicked on from a device. In yet another specific example,the drive-to action can have a higher value for the confidence for thepopularity weighing scheme 476 than that of the click action.

The associated location module 454 can, in another example, determinethe candidate associated locations 218 based on brand preference 478,which is based on the preference of the location requestor. For examplethe brand preference 478 can be based on personalized preference, aparticular category, or driving history of the location requestor. Inanother example, the brand preference 478 can be determined explicitly,such as asking question directly to the location requestor or throughmining from user behavior or history of the location requestor. As aspecific example, the brand preference 478 can include “Starbucks,”which can be promoted over other brands, such as “Pete's Coffee” orother coffee shops. In another example, if the location requestorprefers the category of “Asian food”, the brand preference 478 caninclude “Asian food,” which can be promoted when the associated locationmodule 454 determines the candidate associated locations 218. In afurther specific example, the brand preference 478 can include aparticular store, such as a local or neighborhood store, that isfrequently driven or traveled to by the location requestor which can bepresented in a different visual style from the other instances of thecandidate associated locations 218.

The associated location module 454 can, in yet a further example,determine the candidate associated locations 218 based on a requestorcontext 480 of the location requestor. The requestor context 480 can belocations associated with appointments, meetings, or action items forthe location requestor, such as the school or daycare center where thelocation requestor picks up a child, the dental office or hospital atwhich the location requestor has an appointment, the dry cleaning shopof the location requestor, or other locations specific to the locationrequestor.

The associated location module 454 can promote the candidate associatedlocations 218 for an advertising purpose 482. For example, if one of thecandidate associated locations 218 is a sponsored location throughadvertising, the associated location module 454 can promote thecandidate associated locations 218 by larger presentation of text or thebrand icon 220 or more prominent placement relative to the otherinstances of the candidate associated locations 218. As another example,the advertising purpose 482 can provide value with deals, coupons, orrewards with the candidate associated locations 218 displayed in adifferent style, such as a tab or menu option with a dropdown box thatdisplays details of the deals, coupons, or rewards.

The associated location module 454 can generate an associated locationlist 484 of the candidate associated locations 218. The associatedlocation list 484 can be a ranked list of the candidate associatedlocations 218 identified by the associated location module 454. Theassociated location list 484 can be based on the popularity, proximity,advertising, user preference, or a combination thereof. For example, thecandidate associated locations 218 closer to the candidate locations 210or more preferred by the location requestor can have a higher positionon the associated location list 484 than the candidate associatedlocations 218 that are further from the candidate locations 210 or thatare less preferred by the location requestor. As another example, theinstances of the candidate associated locations 218 with the advertisingpurpose 482 can have a higher position on the associated location list484 relative to instances of the candidate associated locations 218 thatdo not include the advertising purpose 482. The Navigation system 100can present the candidate associated locations 218 that are higher onthe associated location list 484 more prominently than those that arelower on the associated location list 484, such as through visual cuesincluding presenting the brand icon 220 as a larger size.

The navigation system 100 can include a location selection module 456,coupled to the associated location module 454. The location selectionmodule 456 is for receiving a selection of a destination. The locationselection module 456 can receive the selection by the location requestorof a preferred destination 486 for travel from one of the presentedinstances of the candidate locations 210 based on the candidateassociated locations 218, the neighboring prominent locations 216, or acombination thereof that are specific to an instance of candidatelocations 210. The preferred destination 486 is a location that thelocation requestor prefers to travel over other similarly presentedlocations.

As an example, the location selection module 456 can determine aninstance of the candidate locations 210 as the preferred destination 486when the location requestor selects the instance of the candidatelocations 210 because the location requestor plans to also travel to oneof the candidate associated locations 218 specific to the instance ofthe candidate locations 210. In another example, the location selectionmodule 456 can determine an instance of the candidate locations 210 asthe preferred destination 486 when the location requestor selects theinstance of the candidate locations 210 because presence of theneighboring prominent locations 216 or the area of interest 470 willmake travel to the specific instance of the candidate locations 210easier for the location requestor.

The location selection module 456 can include the waypoint selectionmodule 488. The waypoint selection module 488 is for enabling selectionof one or more locations based on a previous destination selection. Thewaypoint selection module 488 can enable the selection of one or moreinstances of the waypoint destination 490, subsequent destinations 492,or a combination thereof. The waypoint destination 490 is a locationthat is determined by selection of locations associated with a specificlocation. The subsequent destinations 492 are locations that areselected follow the selection of the waypoint destination 490.

As an example, the waypoint selection module 488 can determine thewaypoint destination 490 from an instance of the candidate locations 210based on the selection of the candidate associated locations 218specific to the selected instance of the candidate locations 210. Morespecifically, the waypoint selection module 488 can determine theinstance of the candidate locations 210 as the waypoint destination 490when the location requestor selects one of the candidate associatedlocations 218 specific to the instance of the candidate locations 210 asan additional location for travel. As an example, the location requestorcan select one of the candidate associated locations 218 as anadditional location for travel by touching or clicking on the depictionof specific instance of the candidate associated locations 218 presentedby the navigation system 100, such as the brand icon 220. To continuethe example, the waypoint selection module 488 can receive the selectionof the candidate associated locations 218 and determine the waypointdestination 490 as the instance of the candidate locations 210 thatincludes the selected instance of the candidate associated locations218.

The waypoint selection module 488 can determine the subsequentdestinations 492 based on location selections concurrent with orsubsequent to that determination of the waypoint destination 490. Forexample, when the waypoint selection module 488 determines the waypointdestination 490 as the instance of the candidate locations 210 thatincludes the selected instance of the candidate associated locations218, as in the immediately preceding example, the waypoint selectionmodule 488 can determine the selected instance of the candidateassociated locations 218 as the subsequent destinations 492.

Alternatively, for example, the waypoint selection module 488 candetermine the selected instance of the candidate associated locations218 as a candidate waypoint location 494. Similar to the presentation ofthe candidate associated locations 218 with the candidate locations 210,the navigation system 100 can present the candidate waypoint location494 with a waypoint associated location 496. The waypoint selectionmodule 488 can determine the subsequent destinations 492 as selectedinstances of the candidate waypoint locations 494 that the locationrequestor intends to visit on the same trip as the waypoint destination490. The waypoint selection module 488 can continue with presentation ofadditional sets of the waypoint associated locations 496 until thelocation requestor indicates no further destinations are to be traveledto on the particular trip.

The trip generation module 458 is for calculating a route or itinerarybased on selected destinations, waypoints, or a combination thereof. Thetrip generation module 458 can calculate a travel route 498 based on thepreferred destination 486, the selected instance of the candidateassociated locations 218, the waypoint destination 490, the subsequentdestinations 492, or a combination thereof, based on whether thewaypoint destination 490 or the subsequent destinations 492 wereselected by the location requestor. For example, the trip generationmodule 458 can calculate the travel route 498 to include the waypointdestination 490 and the selected instance of the candidate associatedlocations 218 when the waypoint selection module 488 did not receive aselection of instances of the subsequent destinations 492. In anotherexample, the trip generation module 458 can calculate the travel route498 to only the preferred destination 486 when the waypoint selectionmodule 488 did not receive a selection of an instance of the candidateassociated locations 218 or the subsequent destinations 492.

The trip generation module 458 can calculate the travel route 498 in theorder or sequence each instance of the waypoint destination 490 andsubsequent destinations were selected. Alternatively, the tripgeneration module 458 can calculate the travel route 498 based on travelcontext 499, such as traffic, the shortest total travel time, shortestdistance between the waypoint destination 490, the selected instance ofthe candidate associated locations 218, the subsequent destinations 492,or a combination thereof. In yet another example, the trip generationmodule 458 can generate the travel route 498 to synchronize with,accommodate, or match the schedule or appointments of the locationrequestor.

It has been discovered that associating or displaying the neighboringprominent locations 216 specific to an instance of the candidatelocations 210 can be helpful or useful to the location requestor whenthe location requestor is new to or unfamiliar with the area. It hasalso been discovered that presenting the neighboring prominent locations216 with the candidate locations 210 can help generate or buildcontextual relevance pertaining to the candidate locations 210 for thelocation requestor.

It has further been discovered that presenting the candidate associatedlocations 218 with the brand icon 220 can generate an intuitive userinterface. The brand icon 220 can aid or facilitate the locationrequestor in quickly identifying the candidate associated locations 218which allows for the intuitive user interface.

It has further been discovered that the candidate associated locations218 provides rich content that enhances the selection of the preferreddestination 486 for the location requestor. Presenting the candidateassociated locations 218 specific to the candidate locations 210 assiststhe location requestor to select one of the candidate locations 210 asthe preferred destination 486 and provides insightful information thatempowers the location requestor to plan the visit to the location query212, which enhances the selection of the preferred destination 486.

It has also been discovered that presentation of the candidate locations210 with the candidate associated locations 218, the neighboringprominent locations 216, or a combination thereof improves efficiency inplanning the travel route 498. Presenting the candidate associatedlocations 218, the neighboring prominent locations 216, or a combinationthereof specific to the instance of the candidate locations 210eliminates the separate or additional step of searching for thecandidate associated locations 218 or the neighboring prominentlocations 216, which improves efficiency in planning the travel route498.

It has further been discovered that the neighboring prominent locations216 can be linked to each other by the prominent location relations 472,such as through geo-location, and can be leveraged through the linkagebetween the prominent location relations 472 to provide more usefulinformation to the location requestor. Further, it has been discoveredthat the neighboring prominent locations 216 and the area of interest470 prevents ambiguity during travel due to easy recognition of theneighboring prominent locations 216 and the area of interest 470.

It has yet further been discovered that promoting the candidateassociated locations 218 associated with advertising increases theeffectiveness of the advertising. The candidate associated locations 218associated with the advertising is location related with the candidatedestination which efficiently increases the chance that the locationrequestor visit the candidate associated locations 218 associated withadvertising when the location requestor visits the candidate locations210 associated with the candidate associated locations 218.

The first software 326 of FIG. 3 of the first device 102 of FIG. 3 caninclude the modules for the navigation system 100. For example, thefirst software 326 can include the candidate location module 450, theprominent location module 452, the associated location module 454, thelocation selection module 456, and the trip generation module 458. Thefirst user interface 318 of FIG. 3 can be implemented by the navigationsystem 100 to receive the location query 212.

The first control unit 312 of FIG. 3 can execute the first software 326to implement the candidate location module 450, the prominent locationmodule 452, the associated location module 454, the location selectionmodule 456, and the trip generation module 458. For example, the firstcontrol unit 312 can be configured to implement the candidate locationmodule 450 to determine the candidate locations 210. As another example,the first control unit 312 can be configured to implement the prominentlocation module 452 to determine the neighboring prominent locations216. In a further example, the first control unit 312 can be configuredto implement the associated location module 454 to determine thecandidate associated locations 218. In yet a further example, the firstcontrol unit 312 can be configured to implement the location selectionmodule 456, including the waypoint selection module 488, to determinethe preferred destination 486, the waypoint destination 490, theselected instance of the candidate associated locations 218, thecandidate waypoint location 496, or a combination thereof.

The first control unit 312 can be configured to implement the tripgeneration module 458 to calculate the travel route 498 including thewaypoint destination 490, the selected instance of the candidateassociated locations 218, the candidate waypoint location 496, thepreferred destination 486, or a combination thereof. The first controlunit 312 can be configured to interface with the first display interface208 to display the travel route 498 on the first device 102.

The second software 342 of FIG. 3 of the first device 102 can includethe modules for the navigation system 100. For example, the secondsoftware 342 can include the candidate location module 450, theprominent location module 452, the associated location module 454, thelocation selection module 456, and the trip generation module 458. Thesecond user interface 338 of FIG. 3 can be implemented by the navigationsystem 100 to receive the location query 212.

The second control unit 334 of FIG. 3 can execute the second software342 to implement the candidate location module 450, the prominentlocation module 452, the associated location module 454, the locationselection module 456, and the trip generation module 458. For example,the second control unit 334 can be configured to implement the candidatelocation module 450 to determine the candidate locations 210. As anotherexample, the second control unit 334 can be configured to implement theprominent location module 452 to determine the neighboring prominentlocations 216. In a further example, the second control unit 334 can beconfigured to implement the associated location module 454 to determinethe candidate associated locations 218. In yet a further example, thesecond control unit 334 can be configured to implement the locationselection module 456, including the waypoint selection module 488, todetermine the preferred destination 486, the waypoint destination 490,the selected instance of the candidate associated locations 218, thecandidate waypoint location 496, or a combination thereof.

The second control unit 334 can be configured to implement the tripgeneration module 458 to calculate the travel route 498 including thewaypoint destination 490, the selected instance of the candidateassociated locations 218, the candidate waypoint location 496, thepreferred destination 486, or a combination thereof. The second controlunit 334 can be configured to interface with a display interface todisplay the travel route 498 on the first device 102.

The modules of the navigation system 100 can be partitioned between thefirst software 326 and the second software 342. For example, the firstsoftware 326 can include the candidate location module 450, theprominent location module 452, the associated location module 454, andthe location selection module 456. Based on the size of the firststorage unit 314 of FIG. 3, the first software 326 can includeadditional modules of the navigation system 100. The first control unit312 can execute the modules partitioned on the first software 326 aspreviously described. The first control unit 321 can implement the firstdisplay interface 208, the location unit 320, the first storage unit314, or first communication unit 316 as previously described above.

The second software 342 can include the trip generation module 458. Thesecond control unit 334 can execute modules partitioned on the secondsoftware 342 as previously described. The second control unit 334 canimplement the second control unit 334 can implement the other hardwareunits, such as the second display interface 208, the second storage unit346, or the second communication unit 336 as previously described above.

The modules described in this application can be hardware implementationor hardware accelerators in the first control unit 316 of FIG. 3 or inthe second control unit 338 of FIG. 3. The modules can also be hardwareimplementation or hardware accelerators within the first device 102 orthe second device 106 but outside of the first control unit 316 or thesecond control unit 338, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 3. However,it is understood that the first control unit 316, the second controlunit 338, or a combination thereof can collectively refer to allhardware accelerators for the modules.

The modules described in this application can be implemented asinstructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium to beexecuted by a first control unit 312, the second control unit 336, or acombination thereof. The non-transitory computer medium can include thefirst storage unit 314 of FIG. 3, the second storage unit 346 of FIG. 3,or a combination thereof. The non-transitory computer readable mediumcan include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, non-volatilerandom access memory (NVRAM), solid-state storage device (SSD), compactdisk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or universal serial bus (USB) flashmemory devices. The non-transitory computer readable medium can beintegrated as a part of the navigation system 100 or installed as aremovable portion of the navigation system 100.

The physical transformation from determining the neighboring prominentlocation 216 or the candidate associated locations 218 for displaying onthe first device 102, the second device 106, or a combination thereofresults in the movement in the physical world, such as the locationrequestor traveling to the instance of the candidate locations 210 nearthe neighboring prominent location 216 or the candidate associatedlocations 218. As the movement in the physical world occurs, such as thelocation requestor traveling along the travel route to the candidatelocations 210, the movement itself creates additional information thatis converted back into the popularity weighing scheme 476 for theinstance of the candidate associated locations 218 for continuedoperation of the navigation system 100 and to continue the movement inthe physical world.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein is shown a flow chart of a method 500of operation of a navigation system 100 in an embodiment of the presentinvention. The method 500 includes: determining candidate locations forthe location query in a block 502; determining a candidate associatedlocation specific to each of the candidate locations in a block 504;determining a waypoint destination from an instance of the candidatelocations based on a selected instance of the candidate associatedlocation specific to the instance of the candidate locations in a block506; and calculating a travel route including the waypoint destinationand the selected instance of the candidate associated location fordisplaying on a device in a block 508.

The resulting method, process, apparatus, device, product, and/or systemis straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile,accurate, sensitive, and effective, and can be implemented by adaptingknown components for ready, efficient, and economical manufacturing,application, and utilization. Another important aspect of an embodimentof the present invention is that it valuably supports and services thehistorical trend of reducing costs, simplifying systems, and increasingperformance.

These and other valuable aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention consequently further the state of the technology to at leastthe next level.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specificbest mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications,and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light ofthe aforegoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within thescope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown inthe accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative andnon-limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A navigation system comprising: a user interfaceconfigured to receive a location query for a retail location from alocation requestor; a control unit, coupled to the user interface,configured to: determine candidate locations for the location query;determine a candidate associated location, specific to each of thecandidate locations, based on the frequency the candidate associatedlocation is selected on a device and subsequently traveled to; generatea list of the candidate locations matching the retail location, whereinthe list includes the candidate associated location for each of thecandidate locations; determine a waypoint destination from an instanceof the candidate locations based on a selected instance of the candidateassociated location specific to the instance of the candidate locations;and calculate a travel route including the waypoint destination and theselected instance of the candidate associated location for displaying onthe device; and calculate a popularity weighing scheme for the selectedinstance of the candidate associated location based on travel of thelocation requestor along the travel route to the selected instance ofthe candidate associated location.
 2. The system as claimed in claim 1wherein the control unit is configured calculate the popularity weighingscheme of the selected instance of the candidate associated locationbased on the frequency the candidate associated location is selected. 3.The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configuredto determine a landmark near each of the candidate locations.
 4. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured todetermine the candidate associated location based on an advertingpurpose of the candidate associated location.
 5. The system as claimedin claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to: determine asubsequent destination; and calculate the travel route including thewaypoint destination, the subsequent destination, and the selectedinstance of the candidate associated location.
 6. The system as claimedin claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to determine thecandidate associated location based on a requestor context.
 7. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured todetermine the candidate associated location based on a brand preference.8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit isconfigured to calculate the travel route based on travel context.
 9. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured topresent the candidate associated location as a brand icon of thecandidate associated location.
 10. The system as claimed in claim 1wherein the control unit is configured to determine the candidatelocations based on a search of a location search region.
 11. A method ofoperation of a navigation system comprising: determining candidatelocations for a location query for a retail location from a locationrequestor; determining a candidate associated location, specific to eachof the candidate locations, based on the frequency the candidateassociated location is selected on a device and subsequently traveledto; generating a list of the candidate locations matching the retaillocation, wherein the list includes the candidate associated locationfor each of the candidate locations; determining a waypoint destinationfrom an instance of the candidate locations based on a selected instanceof the candidate associated location specific to the instance of thecandidate locations; and calculating a travel route including thewaypoint destination and the selected instance of the candidateassociated location for displaying on the device; and calculating apopularity weighing scheme for the selected instance of the candidateassociated location based on travel of the location requestor along thetravel route to the selected instance of the candidate associatedlocation.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein calculating thepopularity weighing scheme of the selected instance of the candidateassociated location is based on the frequency the candidate associatedlocation is selected.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 11 furthercomprising determining a landmark near each of the candidate locations.14. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein determining the candidateassociated location includes determining the candidate associatedlocation based on an adverting purpose of the candidate associatedlocation.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:determining a subsequent destination; and wherein calculating the travelroute includes the waypoint destination, the subsequent destination, andthe selected instance of the candidate associated location.
 16. Anon-transitory computer readable medium including instructions foroperating a navigation system comprising: determining candidatelocations for a location query for a retail location from a locationrequestor; determining a candidate associated location, specific to eachof the candidate locations, based on the frequency the candidateassociated location is selected on a device and subsequently traveledto; generating a list of the candidate locations matching the retaillocation, wherein the list includes the candidate associated locationfor each of the candidate locations; determining a waypoint destinationfrom an instance of the candidate locations based on a selected instanceof the candidate associated location specific to the instance of thecandidate locations; and calculating a travel route including thewaypoint destination and the selected instance of the candidateassociated location for displaying on the device; and calculating apopularity weighing scheme for the selected instance of the candidateassociated location based on travel of the location requestor along thetravel route to the selected instance of the candidate associatedlocation.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed inclaim 16 wherein calculating the popularity weighing scheme of theselected instance of the candidate associated location is based on thefrequency the candidate associated location is selected.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 16 furthercomprising determining a landmark near each of the candidate locations.19. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 16wherein determining the candidate associated location includesdetermining the candidate associated location based on an advertingpurpose of the candidate associated location.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium as claimed in claim 16 further comprising:determining a subsequent destination; and wherein calculating the travelroute includes the waypoint destination, the subsequent destination, andthe selected instance of the candidate associated location.